By 
A paediatric oncologist at the Cancer Diseases Hospital has testified in the Lusaka Magistrates’ Court that a six-year-old cancer patient was found with injuries consistent with sexual abuse while under the care of her father, who is now facing charges.
Grace Mizinga Chingo, a paediatric oncologist who has worked at the hospital since 2017, was the sixth witness to testify in the matter involving Cornhill Habowa, 47, who is accused of sexually abusing his biological daughter while she was undergoing cancer treatment.
Dr. Chingo told the court that on March 11, 2025, she was informed by the acting ward in-charge, Precious Nalwimba, of a suspected case of child sexual abuse involving the patient, identified as FH.
The girl had first been admitted to the hospital in September 2024 as a referral from within the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) for treatment of a cancerous swelling on the left side of her face.
She explained that after several rounds of chemotherapy, the child’s condition had improved significantly by January 2025, and she was allowed to return home temporarily. However, a new swelling on the nose led to a scheduled CT scan for March 11.
“On that day, while the child was still lodging in the ward with her father, I was informed of suspected abuse,” Dr. Chingo said. “After the CT scan, I, along with my colleague Dr. Dorcas Muswaya, examined the child in a private consultation room. We observed a laceration at the six o’clock position, an abnormally wide vaginal opening for her age, and reddish discoloration, indicators consistent with sexual abuse.”
Dr. Muswaya took photographs of the injuries using her iPhone, which were shared with Dr. Chingo and later with social worker, Kasapo Mandona.
A second medical opinion was obtained from the children’s hospital, and the child was immediately placed on antibiotics and antiretroviral treatment for post-exposure prophylaxis.
The following day, despite it being a public holiday, arrangements were made for the child to be taken to the UTH One Stop Centre for further forensic examination.
She was escorted by her paternal aunt and social worker, Mandona. Dr. Chingo confirmed that the photos were also forwarded to a staff member at the One Stop Centre.
She said that prior to the report, the girl was quiet and rarely interacted with other children in the ward, preferring to remain with her father.
However, since the separation, the child had become more expressive and was responding positively to cancer treatment.
During cross-examination, Habowa challenged the authenticity of the photos and denied being responsible for the abuse.
He repeatedly questioned how the doctors could confirm the identity of the child in the photos as it did not show the face and whether the injuries were definitively caused by him.
Dr. Chingo maintained her findings and said that while she could not personally determine the identity of the abuser, clinical evidence and the child’s proximity to her father raised suspicion.
“I could not ascertain who penetrated the child, but the injuries were consistent with penetration, whether by a finger or penis. In such cases, the person closest to the child is often the first suspect,” she stated.
Habowa also questioned whether he had any prior criminal record and whether any previous reports of misconduct had been officially filed. Dr. Chingo responded that while she had heard of complaints regarding his behaviour in the hospital in which he slapped a fellow bed sider because after he was confronted over his unusual behavour, no formal police reports had been made.
WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.
Comments